Nnamdi Kanu lists Malami, Wike, Danjuma, Buratai and others as witnesses in terrorism trial. Seeks 90-day extension to conclude defence.
ABUJA — Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a formal application at the Federal High Court in Abuja, listing a number of current and former high-ranking officials, including Abubakar Malami, Nyesom Wike, and Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, as witnesses in his ongoing trial for terrorism.
Also read: Nnamdi Kanu protest turns violent in Abuja crackdown
In a motion personally signed by Kanu and dated 20 October 2025, the IPOB leader informed Justice James Omotosho that he intends to call 23 witnesses to support his defence.
These include political office holders, retired military generals, and former intelligence chiefs.
Kanu’s application seeks the court’s permission to summon what he describes as both “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
The individuals listed as proposed witnesses include:
- Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation
- Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
- Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence
- Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff
- Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
- Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State
- Dave Umahi, Minister of Works
- Okezie Ikpeazu, immediate past Governor of Abia State
- Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, ex-Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- Yusuf Bichi, former Director General of the State Security Service
Kanu said additional unnamed witnesses would be presented in court at the appropriate time.
Citing the extensive number of witnesses and complexity of his case, Kanu requested a 90-day window to fully present his defence. He assured the court that he would not waste judicial time and that all sworn statements of witnesses would be submitted as required.
“Justice must not only be done but manifestly seen to have been done,” he stated in his filing.
The motion comes in response to an earlier court order dated 16 October 2025, directing Kanu to begin his defence from 24 October 2025.
The filing follows a recent medical report submitted by a court-appointed panel of experts, which confirmed that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.
On Thursday, Kanu had also filed a preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to continue hearing the case.
Meanwhile, in a related development, 13 persons including Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, were ordered to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by a Magistrate Court in Abuja.
Also read: Nnamdi Kanu’s wife blasts IPOB leader in leaked audio
They were arrested during a protest organised by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding Kanu’s release. The accused were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and disobedience of lawful orders, under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code.
Source: Read more at freelanews.com
